“Even though it was peaceful, no protests are allowed during the current movement control order (MCO) period,” said Dang Wangi district police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah at a press conference.

“No assemblies or gatherings are allowed according to Section 10 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342).

“That is clear. While the protest was peaceful, it still violated Act 342.”

Mohamad Zainal said police estimated that there were around 400 protestors.

Hundreds of protesters, made up of students and youth activists, descended on the capital today, where they called for the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his Cabinet, a full parliamentary session, and an automatic loan moratorium for all.

Gathering outside Masjid Jamek, carrying banners and placards which read “Kerajaan Gagal” (“Failed Government”) while urging Muhyiddin to step down, they were stopped in their tracks by the police who said they did not have permission to gather at Dataran Merdeka.

Meanwhile, various civil society organisations had yesterday called on the police to stop calling in organisers and participants of #Lawan rallies for questioning, noting that at least 20 have been called up since July 25.

They said that the “disproportionate responses” to a peaceful and organised protest was unnecessary and infringed upon their right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association.

“The organisers have shown thorough consideration for the safety of the people in Malaysia and taken deliberate measures to comply with the SOPs. They have fully cooperated with the police ever since,” they said yesterday.

The statement was signed by Amnesty International Malaysia, Sisters in Islam, Justice for Sisters, the Centre for Independent Journalism and the KRYSS Network.